Light a lamp on the New Moon of Nov 10, 2015 (Nov 11, 9:47 am PDT) to offer a light into the darkness of the night. This new moon ignites an inner flame, dispelling indecision and doubt, and empowering us to see what is normally hidden from us. It is the new moon that marks the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair. Seize this moment to commit whole-heartedly to a higher resolution, letting old doubts and negative self-beliefs fall aside.
Celebrated as the Hindu New Year, this new moon is also one of the 5 nights of Diwali, the “festival of lights.” This is the most important night of the year to honor Laksmi the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Homes are cleaned and new clothing purchased in preparation for the goddess Laksmi to come with her blessings of abundance. Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is also honored to open the year well. Traditionally, on this dark-moon night, lamps (Diyas) and candles are lit to banish the darkness of ignorance, and call in the light of prosperity.
This year the fireworks of Diwali will fall in the burning focus of the Vishaka nakshatra. Vishaka is the lunar sign that channels the ambitious drive of the sky god Indra through the power of fire. Since ancient times the rites of fire have been used to burn through creative blocks and fears, by concentrating the mind and emblazing the soul. The power of our will can be sharpened on this day and clarity may suddenly cut through the confusion, showing us the single and most direct way to our true intentions. The power of light is to reveal truth and set the world in order. The victory of light over darkness on this day is celebrated as Lord Ram’s return, after his long exile, to his rightful throne
However, take heed; for in the days leading up to this new moon, the path to the rightful throne may be a bit rocky. There will be an exact conjunction of Mars and the shadow planet Rahu on November 9. Rahu magnifies the will power of mars, leading to potentially extreme attitudes or possibly even explosive situations. Also, starting from Nov 7, the moon will associate with debilitated Venus who is struggling under the heavy pressures of these planets. This may make for some intense and/or awkward situations with the opposite sex. Be mindful of conflicts in partnerships and with friends. Remember the importance of honoring your loved ones. With such a powerful fire of inner truth, the niceties of social graces may get swept under the table.
Although it may feel demanding, these astrological combinations can greatly empower Venus to challenge the status-quo. This Diwali can lift a veil of constraint, inspiring us to rebirth our identities and redefine our relationships. The alignment also has the potential to energize Tantric meditation and healing practices and can be used to transmute lower chakra energies into higher consciousness; however, be mindful of frustration and impatience in your practice.
Overall, use the power of this new moon to turn within and light the flame of your inner vision. The night of Diwali allows us to shine our innate goodness and wisdom into our blind spots, opening us to greater prosperity and happiness. Focus your mind on a wish and make a resolution, then light a candle or lamp and offer these intentions into the flame.
Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya
Mrityor Ma Amritam Gamaya
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
Lead us from untruth to truth
From darkness to light
From death to immortality
Om Peace Peace Peace
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